The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is the city's luxury choice outside downtown, set in the leafy, upscale business district of Clayton at 100 Carondelet Plaza. Guests rate it 9.2 out of 10 on its booking page across 586 reviews, which is among the best scores of any hotel in the metro. The hotel has two restaurants, three bars, a coffee shop and a spa that offers treatments including aromatherapy, deep-tissue massage and body scrubs, plus a fitness center. Reviews on do not mention a pool, so do not book it expecting one. The location is the main difference from the riverfront hotels. Forsyth MetroLink station is about four minutes' walk and Clayton station around eleven, Washington University is a two-minute drive, the Saint Louis Galleria is two minutes by car and restaurants such as The Capital Grille are within a short walk. The Saint Louis Zoo is about 2.7 miles away, and downtown and the Arch are a short train or car ride. It is a polished, quiet base for couples, business travelers and anyone who prefers the Clayton dining and shopping scene to the busier downtown streets.
Location and getting around
Clayton is the county seat and a business and dining hub, with galleries, restaurants and pleasant walking streets around the hotel. MetroLink gives you a simple way to reach downtown and the Arch, and the airport is about 13 minutes by car. A car or rideshare is useful for Forest Park, the Hill and the Botanical Garden. Parking is charged per day and a valet option is available, and the hotel has an electric vehicle charging station.
Rooms and facilities
Expect a high level of service and the formal comfort of the Ritz-Carlton brand, with free public-area Wi-Fi and express check-in. The booking page shows pets are accepted for a fee per pet per stay. Guest comments are overwhelmingly positive about staff and cleanliness, but a handful note maintenance issues, such as a stuck door or dated finishes, and occasional noise from wedding parties on busy weekends, so mention any concerns when you check in and ask for a quiet room.
Who it suits and what to know: couples celebrating a special occasion, business travelers visiting Clayton, and visitors who want a spa-style retreat after days of sightseeing. It is not the choice if your priority is walking to the Arch, and the lack of a pool may matter for families. Breakfast is a buffet for an extra charge, and weekends can be busy with events, so book early for peak dates. For luxury in a calmer setting, this is the strongest alternative to the riverfront hotels.
Why stay here
- ✓Spa with massage and body treatments
- ✓Two restaurants
- ✓Three bars
- ✓Coffee shop
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓Express check-in
- ✓Valet and EV charging
- ✓Near Forsyth MetroLink station
Good questions
Where is The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis?+
It is at 100 Carondelet Plaza in Clayton, about four minutes' walk from Forsyth MetroLink station and close to Washington University.
Does it have a spa and a pool?+
It has a spa with treatments such as massage and body scrubs, but no pool is mentioned on the booking page.
Is it close to the Arch?+
Not on foot. Downtown and the Arch are a short MetroLink or car ride away, and the zoo is about 2.7 miles.
